A tribute to the ‘Hello Girls’ at the Military Women’s Memorial
Published: 24 March 2025
By Henry Howard
via the American Legion website
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Carolyn Timbie, the granddaughter of Hello Girl and Legionnaire Grace Banker, speaks during a celebration of the Hello Girls at the Military Women’s Memorial. At left: Donna Ayres, grand niece of Hello Girl Olive Shaw. At right, Catherine Bourgin, granddaughter of Hello Girl Marie Edmee LeRoux. (Photo by Henry Howard)
As part of Women’s History Month, the Military Women’s Memorial celebrates the recent Congressional Gold Medal designation for the 223 women whose role was instrumental in World War I.
Phyllis Wilson, the president of the Military Women’s Memorial, and her staff are sharing the stories of women veterans well over 100 times this month covering every state in America.
“This month — Women’s History Month — in particular, we have the opportunity to shine a spotlight on what those women have done and what they’re doing today in defense of this country,” said Wilson, who served 37 years in the Army. “It’s been really powerful. It’s done my soul good to be out there and talking about the importance of women veterans.”
A highlight of the month was March 19, when the memorial hosted a celebration for the “Hello Girls,” who received the Congressional Gold Medal designation late last year. The American Legion supported the congressional recognition for the 223 women whose role in the Army Signal Corps was instrumental during World War I.
Family members of several Hello Girls attended the tribute. Among them was Carolyn Timbie, the granddaughter of the de facto leader of the Hello Girls, Grace Banker (Paddock).
“It has been long overdue,” Timbie said. “For me as a descendant, I just have such immense pride in these women. The process and the journey with my team to see that we’ve actually seen it through, seen it to gold, and here tonight to celebrate is just beyond words.”
Not only did the Legion play an instrumental role in the passage, but it welcomed Banker when she returned from Europe after the war concluded. Banker joined American Legion Signal Post 343 in New York, and later was a member of Post 161 in Passaic County, New Jersey.
“Their story, along with the support of The American Legion, has brought to light the importance of women and that women can be role models,” Timbie said. “Her service with The American Legion is now continuing the story to get women recognized.”
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